20th Anniversary

June 5, 2001, marks the 20th anniversary of the first reported cases of a new disease, AIDS, in the United States.

Through the hard work of many dedicated individuals, we have been able to make great strides in developing new medications, devising prevention strategies, and providing needed care and services for people with HIV. Yet we still have a long way to go. We do not have a cure for HIV/AIDS, and we do not have a vaccine to prevent new infections.

In 20 years, AIDS has changed the face of the United States and the world. We can use this milestone to once again bring attention to the devastation and impact HIV/AIDS has had locally and globally. We can use this day to acknowledge all those who have passed from AIDS and to recommit ourselves to bringing this global pandemic to an end.

DID YOU KNOW..........?

• Since 1981, there have been 268 cumulative AIDS Cases reported in Binghamton Ryan White Region (Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties)
• This figure does NOT include the number of individuals living with HIV infection, a number that is likely much higher.
• 31% of the cumulative reported AIDS cases in this region are among people of color, yet people of color represent less than 7% of the population in the Southern Tier.
• Nationwide, HIV/AIDS is increasingly affecting women, people of color, young people, and people over age 50.
• Locally, the fastest growing rates of new AIDS cases are among heterosexual women, individuals over age 40, people who share needles through IV drug use, and among people of color.
• IV Drug users are at risk of contracting HIV, as well as Hepatitis B and C.
• Women NOW account for 21 % of the local AIDS cases (June 2000), as opposed to only 14% of the reported AIDS cases in the region in 1993.
• Many health care providers do not routinely screen for risk behaviors or encourage people to obtain an HIV test.
• Anonymous HIV tests are free throughout New York State

Call 1.800.541.2437 for an appointment

Kaiser Family Foundation Article

All statistics are from NYS DOH AIDS Quarterly Surveillance reports for the Binghamton Ryan White Region (Broome, Chenango & Tioga Counties), most recent data available: June 2000.